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September 4, 2011

My Take on Paula Deen's Creamy Mac and Cheese

Do you want to know something? I had never actually eaten homemade macaroni and cheese until I was around 20 or so? Can you believe that? I grew up on boxed macaroni and cheese and I loved it (and yes I still eat it occasionally). Not until after highschool did I realize that you can make a homemade version from scratch and that it could be so creamy, cheesy, rich and comforting! It has now become one of my favorite meals. I have a few recipes that are my favorites, but I still like to try out new ones now and again. I had been wanting to try Paula's creamy version for a few years now, but never got around to it until now. I read through the reviews and I changed it up according to my taste. It is super creamy and plenty saucy! This is definitely not a "light" recipe, but mac and cheese isn't supposed to be healthy, right?

Boil pasta in salted water until tender; drain. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter. Add can of soup and milk and stir until well combined and completely smooth. Add dry mustard, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Stir in sour cream and cook until heated through. Last stir in the grated cheese and whisk until smooth, thick and creamy. Stir in cooked, drained pasta. Serve.

Jenn's Notes: Paula's original recipe is a crock-pot recipe. I wanted a quick version, so I cooked mine on the stove-top. I also omitted the eggs from her recipe, because I wanted a super creamy mac and cheese and eggs give a slightly different texture, that I didn't want. Next time, I will try cutting the butter back to only 1 or 2 Tbl., since I am only using it for flavor, not to melt the cheese in. Don't be afraid of the canned cheese soup - it really isn't bad at all. I really liked this macaroni and cheese and I would make again. I even used Mild Cheddar cheese, because that was all I had. So, I can imagine how yummy it would be with the Sharp Cheddar! The amount of people this will serve depends on if you are serving it as a main dish or as a side. Mine was a main dish and I would imagine it could serve 4-6 people.

How strange! I was just searching for a mac and cheese recipe online... literally as I type this. I got frustrated with the ones I was finding and decided to check my Google Reader. And HERE IT IS! Thanks so much. You read my mind.

Oh girl. I am from GA so you know I am loving some Paula Deen. She reminds me of my grandma and cooks like her too. Not enough butter or grease or sugar to please her lol. I pinned this to try it too since I am getting into my crockpot more and more. Thank you so much. I blog at www.blazeandcrochet.com and I linked up too. Loving Tip Junkie's meme.

I love this recipe and have been looking for an alternative for my kids - I have had enough Kraft Mac and Cheese to last me for ten lifetimes! Please consider linking up to Success U Wednesdays at www.thestuffofsuccess.com.

I'd love to have you share this and any other of your amazing posts over at my linky party Create and Share. It posts every Wednesday. We open the party Tuesday evening at 8 pm for those who like to link up early. Hope you stop by...and follow too! ;-)http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/2011/09/create-and-share-features-too.html